His career was over. But the trade and impending physical may have saved his life. Had the aneurysm not been discovered, his health would have been at risk.

Fast forward to last week and Dorenbos, who had spent much of the NFL season under the influence of medication as part of his recovery, found himself back with some of his friends and former teammates celebrating a high point in their lives.

Eleven-year Eagles veteran Jon Dorenbos will receive a Super Bowl ring after a heart condition cut his career short. (AP)

As reported by The New Orleans Advocate, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie insisted that Dorenbos join the team for some of their pre- and post-Super Bowl festivities. Lurie also promised him a Super Bowl ring.

“Had I played, I’d die,” Dorenbos told The Advocate while celebrating in the Eagles’ Super Bowl locker room. “If you can’t play in it, this is the next best way to enjoy it. Mr. Lurie called me and said he wants me to be a part of it, said I was here a long time, and he said ‘We’re going to win this, and you’re going to get a ring.'”

While average NFL fans likely aren’t aware of Dorenbos for his mostly thankless career as a long-snapper, they may know him from his hobby, which led to a successful run on “America’s Got Talent” last summer as a magician.